Surface modification method and surface-modified elastic body

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a surface modification method for a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer, which can impart various functions such as sliding properties and biocompatibility according to its use. The present invention relates to a surface modification method for modifying a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer as an object to be modified, the method including: Step 1 of forming polymerization initiation points on a surface of the object to be modified; Step 2 of radical polymerizing monomers starting from the polymerization initiation points to grow polymer chains on the surface of the object to be modified; and Step 3 of functionalizing the polymer chains.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a surface modification method; and surface-modified elastic bodies such as catheters and gaskets for syringes each of which has at least partially a surface modified by the surface modification method, and tires which have at least partially a groove surface modified by the surface modification method.BACKGROUND ART[0002]For parts that slide while maintaining seal, such as gaskets each of which is integrated with a syringe plunger and forms a seal between the plunger and the barrel, elastic bodies (e.g. rubber) are used in great consideration of sealing properties. Such elastic bodies, however, have a slight problem in their sliding properties (see Patent Literature 1). Hence, a sliding property improver (e.g. silicone oil) is applied to the sliding surface, but it is pointed out that silicone oil can have a bad influence on recently marketed bio-preparations. On the other hand, a gasket to which a sliding property improver is no...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes how using certain materials can improve the performance of products such as diaphragm pumps, skiing equipment, and swimsuits. For example, using a certain material can reduce pressure loss when delivering water through a diaphragm, improve the sliding properties of skiing equipment, make signs easier to see in snow, reduce the resistance of water on the surface of a ship, and make swimsuits with reduced water resistance or drag by improving the sliding properties of their thread surface.

Problems solved by technology

Such elastic bodies, however, have a slight problem in their sliding properties (see Patent Literature 1).

Hence, a sliding property improver (e.g. silicone oil) is applied to the sliding surface, but it is pointed out that silicone oil can have a bad influence on recently marketed bio-preparations.

On the other hand, a gasket to which a sliding property improver is not applied is poor in the sliding properties.

Thus, the plunger cannot be pushed smoothly so that it pulsates upon administration, thereby causing problems such as inaccuracy in the injection amount and infliction of pain on patients.

Such a film, however, is generally expensive and causes an increase in the production cost of processed products, and thus its application range is limited.

Also, products covered with the PTFE film might not be reliable in the case that the products are used in applications in which sliding or the like motion is repeated and durability is thereby required.

Another problem is that PTFE is vulnerable to radiation and thus it cannot be sterilized by radiation.

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